Are you controlled by an addiction?

"Addiction" is a biological, psychological, and social dependence on any mood-altering substance (alcohol or drugs), or on obsessive-compulsive behaviors (problem gambling, compulsive overeating, relationship or sex addiction). Addiction offers short term gratification and long term pain and suffering.

Addiction includes obsession, compulsion, and loss of control. The obsession involves thinking about, planning, and looking forward to using the substance or acting out the problem behavior again and again.

Despite long-term painful consequences, there is also a compulsive, overwhelming urge to use the substance or behavior to relieve the pain created by the addiction, which fuels an endless cycle of addiction.

TREATMENt for addictions

We'll begin treatment by seeing if there's any denial that the substance or behavior has escalated to the level of being out of your control. Next, I'll help you find the motivation, willingness, and readiness to stop using the substance or acting out the behavior.

You and I will discuss how working the 12 steps takes away your desire to use substances or act out problem behaviors. If trauma is fueling the addiction or causing chronic relapse, I offer therapy methods such as EMDR and Hypnotherapy to support your ability to become free of addiction.